Brittany Spinner, LEED AP

Typical Guestrooms and Suites: (Lead Designer)

Team: Clifford Tuttle (Director of Design) and Deborah Forrest (President)

Duration: Sept. 2012- May 2014

The crown of Nob Hill, originally designed by Julia Morgan is a historic flagship property for the Fairmont Brand. The property was renovated over the course of four years to restore it to the height of luxury. Areas included the 591 guestrooms and typical suites. There were 167 room types, and 65 “Types within a type”. It seemed like no two rooms were the same. The property raved that no mistakes were made in the ordering, or cataloging of the furniture and that all furniture fit where it was needed. This was a true miracle based on all of the various site conditions. The result was incredible.

The traditional aesthetic of the property was honored while update the rooms in a contemporary way. We kept a nod to past while updating the technology and rooms to be appreciated by a new generation. There are three unique schemes as well as variations on every room type due to the historic nature of the property.

Working on the hotel was a dream come true for me. I used to wander the halls admiring it’s beauty from the first year I lived in San Francisco. Each round of renovations when the hotel would turn over a block of rooms, I would wander into each room, stripped down to it’s bones, and discover all of it’s secret history. Some rooms had green damask wallpaper, some had mosaic flooring, some had unique flooring. Each room had it’s own history and story and I loved discovering it.

The property, now 6 years old, looks as beautiful and well maintained as it did when it was installed. The reviews consistently rave about the design. Our goal was to give back the crown of nob hill back to it’s rightful owner and see her shine once again. We feel that we’ve accomplished that goal. To this day, this project is my top favorite and the one I will always hold dear to my heart.

DESIGN AWARDS:

2013- Shaw Carpets DESIGN IS Competition- HOSPITALITY WINNER- Guestroom carpet design

AWARDS:

• 2018 San Diego Magazine Readers' Choice Award "Best Bay Area Hotel"

• 2018 Meetings Today “Best of” Award

• 2017 British Airways Customer Excellence Award

• 2017 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards:Top Hotels in San Francisco

• 2017 Frequent Business Traveler Centurion List: The 10 Best Hotels in the World

• 2017 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards winner

• 2017 US News & World Report “Best Hotels in San Francisco”

• 2017 AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards: Best San Francisco Hotel to Visit in 2017

• 2016 Green Key Eco-Rating Program 4 Key Status

• 2016 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards:Top Hotels in San Francisco

• 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence

• 2016 SF Weekly Reader Poll Winner “Best Hotel”

• 2016 Meetings & Conventions “Gold Key Award”

• 2016 US News & World Report “Best Hotels in San Francisco”

• 2016 Meetings Today “Best of the West”

• 2015 Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers' Choice Awards (10 Best Hotels in San Francisco)

• 2015 Meetings Today “Best of the West

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Renovation of five luxury specialty suites with each a unique design

Timeline: March 2013- May 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

3D Tour:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=YqAmWfNYKUQ

The traditional aesthetic of the property was honored while update the rooms in a contemporary way. We kept a nod to past while updating the technology and rooms to be appreciated by a new generation. There are three unique schemes as well as variations on every room type due to the historic nature of the property. Specialty suites were one off suites with their own high end schemes

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Renovation of five luxury specialty suites with each a unique design

Timeline: March 2013- May 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

The Napoleon suite was the largest suite within the building. It used to be the old general manager’s apartment and had a large outdated kitchen and laundry room. A very large guestroom connected to this room which was the only bedroom in the suite before. The decision was made to sell this suite more like a bridal suite for the large amounts of weddings they host at the property. This suite received the largest amount of demolition and renovation. We relocated 2 bathrooms, added a smaller wet bar style kitchen, kept the small concealed laundry room, and created a separate master bedroom, vestibule and new closets.

The suite was inspired by Napoleon and Josephine’s love story. The colors were inspired by the historic colors of French Chateau’s with the soft teals, ivory and marble. Antique mirror and new moulding was added in the rooms. The feature of the room is the dramatic canopy bed with gathered drapery and rosette. The bed is frequently featured on instagram accounts and celebrated by guests.

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Renovation of five luxury specialty suites with each a unique design

Timeline: March 2013- May 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

Link to 3D tour:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=va8Ks5c1gsg

The Buckingham suite was the most rewarding to work on as a self-proclaimed historian of the Fairmont San Francisco. Some believe that this was the original presidential suite of the hotel prior to the penthouse being built on the roof. This suite had all of the original wood paneling , chandeliers, wall sconces and fireplace. It even had a hidden wet bar, concealed behind a secret door. In the next door connecting room, the wood paneling continued as an extension of the space. To our surprise, when removing the old carpet, we discovered the original chevron wood flooring. We had planned on putting new wood flooring in, so the decision was made to expose the flooring and restore it. The wood paneling was meticulously restored as well.

We decided to create a men’s cigar lounge feel in this room and play up the incredible masculinity it has. A mirror over the fireplace conceals the TV so that guests can feel like they have stepped back in time when they enter this room.

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Renovation of five luxury specialty suites with each a unique design

Timeline: March 2013- May 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

Link to 3D Tour:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=7fscYFPsDxA

The Cambridge suite is one of the larger suites within the main historic building. Original crown moulding and wood paneling was restored in the room. A new entryway was created with wet bar on the other side. Previously, the guest would just enter the room directly with no vestibule. Moulding was tooled to match the existing for a seamless look. We wanted to make guests feel like it had always been there. New finishes were applied to the bathrooms and new finishes custom built.

The design was inspired by the stately country homes in England, and a small library was added as well built from the book collections found in the hotel storage rooms.

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Renovation of five luxury specialty suites with each a unique design

Timeline: March 2013- May 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

Link to 3D Tour:

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=pHR89g4F8VP

The Diplomat Suite (Also known as the Tony Bennett Suite), is the third most luxurious suite in the property. In this room, Tony Bennett’s personal artwork is displayed and the guest can have their own Tony Bennett experience while they stay here. We searched the hotel storage rooms for antique furniture to help give this suite a historic flair. New pieces were paired with the antiques to blend the design. A new headboard wall, media unit, and furnishings were included in this renovation.

PROJECT: THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS MODEL ROOMS-, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 

Ownership: Strategic Hotels

Scope: Model room and Guestroom Renovation (Project went on hold)

Timeline: Sept. 2014- August 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentation for model room. Roll out spec development for CD package prior to going on hold.

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

The design scheme for the historic renovation of the 566 guestrooms and specialty suites in the historic tower of the Westin St. Francis Hotel was inspired by San Francisco’s historic nickname “the Paris of the West”.  Two schemes were developed for production after the model room: “A Midnight in Paris” and “Café Delight”. The project was placed on hold due to sale of the hotel after the model room in 2015.

PROJECT:  THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO- LOBBY/LAUREL COURT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA.  

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Renovation of historic lobby and laurel court tea room

Timeline: Sept. 2014- January 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

Upon completion of the guestroom, suites, and specialty suites renovation, we were awarded the prestigious lobby. The lobby is consistently referred to as the most beautiful lobby in San Francisco. Originally designed by Julia Morgan, the lobby had been restored to her original design about 10 years prior.

There was a lot to consider when designing the space. Many furniture pieces were original Dorothy Draper designs from her renovation in the 1940’s. We would restore these and recover them. Every Christmas, the furniture would be re-positioned for a full height Christmas tree and gingerbread house. Knowing the property like the back of my hand, the carpet was carefully designs so that when the furniture was removed, a central medallion would act as part of the tree skirt for the Christmas tree. The colors and palette were meant to be refreshed, but not modern or fussy. Several attempts by designers in the past to “reinvent” the Fairmont were met with harsh criticism. We wanted to have it feel updated, familiar, yet honor the historic position of the hotel.

The Laurel Court Tea Room was an icon in the San Francisco social scene. We were careful to renovate the space tastefully so that once again, it felt refreshed and new, but not that we have changed the space. We took inspiration from the hand painted murals on the walls, and also that the space used to have a glass ceiling and was referred to as the “Garden Court”. The carpet was an extension of the mural landscape with cobble stone mosaic path, and green watercolor like flower pattern for the flooring. The furniture selections were also meant to feel as they could be indoors or outdoors inside of your garden, but with luxurious touches like the trim on the back.

PROJECT:  THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO- VENETIAN BALLROOM, SAN FRANCISCO, CA.  

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Carpet design and replacement

Timeline: March 2013- Sept. 2013

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

The iconic Venetian room was first designed by Julia Morgan. The room has barely changed since it’s original design with the exception of the covering up of some murals on the north and south side. This room was where Tony Bennett first sang “ I Left My Heart in San Francisco” on the famous stage. The carpet design was carefully considered to help the room feel authentic and historical.

PROJECT:  THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO- CRYSTAL, CROWN AND FOUNTAIN ROOM, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. 

Ownership: Woodbridge Capital

Scope: Carpet design, drapery, and new wallcovering renovation

Timeline: Feb. 2012- Sept.2012

Team Role: Lead Designer/Project Manager development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

Upon the success of the grand ballroom lounge installation, we were awarded three smaller meeting rooms for a quick refresh. The property was pleased again with the results and awarded us the contract for all of the guestrooms and typical suites.

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle and Deborah Forrest

PROJECT:  THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO- GRAND BALLROOM AND LOUNGE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA.

Ownership: Blue Merritt

Scope: Full renovation of all finishes, drapery, and carpet.

Timeline: Aug. 2011- Jan. 2012

Team Role: Lead Designer, development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration

We first received the contract for the Grand Ballroom and Ballroom Lounge as an introduction to working with our firm. It was from this project that we built the relationships and reputation of team work. The ballroom itself had the old murals removed, new custom upholstered wall panels with silkscreen print, new carpet, and new drapery. The ballroom lounge received similar finishes and was upgraded as well.

Project: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise-Victoria Ballroom - lake louise, canada

Ownership: Oxford Properties

Scope: Ballroom Renovation

Timeline: Sept. 2015- March 2016

Team Role: Senior Designer, Project Management (Single person team)

Overseen by/Mentor: Natalie Reeve

Developed carpet design and architectural finishes for existing ballroom

Created construction document set for renovation

Reviewed shop drawings and approvals for new FF&E.

PROJECT:  VILLA FLORENCE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA.

Ownership: LaSalle Hotels

Scope: Guestroom and suite renovation

Timeline: Jan. 2014-Jan 2015

Team Role: Senior Designer/Project Manager from competition, award, development of concept, presentations and all documentation for concept through construction administration ( Three person team)

Overseen by/Mentor: Cliff Tuttle

This project was awarded based on a guestroom design competition . Our design was awarded to be built into a model room competition with another firm. Our model room was the winner and we were awarded to complete the rest of the guestrooms and suites based on the model room designs.

The Villa Florence is a boutique hotel situated in Union Square with 189 guestrooms and junior suites. The design was inspired by the flower stands in Florence, Italy the design mixes in a European inspired color palette and bold color.

PROJECT: THE RITZ-CARLTON SAN FRANCISCO, SAN FRANCISCO, CA.

Ownership: Host Hotels and Resorts

Scope: Lobby and elevator lobby renovation

Timeline: Sept. 2011-March. 2012

Team Role: Lead Designer, developed presentation, and full documentation of specifications and construction documents through installation

The grand hotel in San Francisco received a lobby renovation that helped a new generation of guests fall in love with the Ritz-Carlton Brand. The elegant interior was upgraded with a focus on local artists and high end furnishings.

The passing down of knowledge, beauty and inspiration to the next generation is what brings new life and ideas to this world. The building housed by the Ritz-Carlton has been loved and used for over a hundred years and adored by many.  We wanted to pay respect to the building’s historical past but also keep an eye looking forward to the future and a new generation of guests and clients to come. The Ritz-Carlton’s iconic building was once a home to a college of the arts. This inspired us to focus on selecting local artists to help fill the space with playful art. Each commissioned piece stands on its own as a reminder of the amazing talent that is in our own city. We developed a connected circle motif that is carried through the space. Like outstretched arms, the circles connect to one another.  Each circle connects to another and forms its own set of connections. We felt this was a perfect motif to describe the sharing of ideas and inspiration brought about by art and design. The “Connections” motif is seen throughout the space in the custom hand tufted area rugs, accent detail on the back of the chairs, art and mirror motifs, and the existing architectural details in the space. Our hope is the guests will take a little piece of inspiration from their visit to San Francisco that will be carried with them throughout their lives